As part of our annual coverage of Johnston High School’s upcoming graduation, the Sun Rise presents the following top 10 graduating seniors of the class of 2017.
1. Laura Wilson
Johnston High School’s class of 2017 valedictorian is Laura Wilson, who plans to attend Brown University where she will major computer science and study graphic design.
Wilson’s list of accomplishments during the last four years has created an impressive résumé. She’s served as Editor in Chief of the Yearbook Committee, and as an Officer on the Chemistry Club. She was also a member of the Rhode Island, Junior National, and National Honor Societies, as well as the Engineering and Physics Club, the Float Committee, the ACE Mentor Program, the Advanced Studio Art Class, and as a student tutor.
She’s also provided assistance by volunteering with the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island, St. Paul’s Church soup kitchens, Tobacco Free R.I., R.I. Cranston Christian Fellowship, Trinity Episcopal Church, Cherry Hill Manor, the RI Blood Center, and with turkey drives. Wilson has received scholarships from the Mayor and Johnston Town Council, the U.S. Marine Corps for scholastic excellence and the Krista Weller Burns Foundation.
Her numerous awards include the National Merit Commended Scholar, the Harvard Book Award, honorable mention with the Moody Mega Math Challenge, the 2016 Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award, a Junior Leadership Conference certificate, first place in the 2016 Congressional Art Competition, three gold and three silver keys in the Scholastic Art Awards, and the Johnston High School Outstanding Art Student Award.
“I’ll remember the long nights of studying and essay writing, but above that I’ll remember the great friendships I have fostered here and the countless memories we have made over the last four years,” she said.
Looking to experience life to the fullest, Wilson has always been motivated to do her best no matter her skill level, and wants to take advantage of every opportunity available to her.
“My family has provided me with unending encouragement and support, while my friends have truly brightened my high school experience,” she said.
2. Adam Bouchard
Adam Bouchard’s dedication to his academic career has earned him the title of salutatorian for the class of 2017.
“Friendly competition amongst my peers has always pushed me to do my best, but I’ve also been motivated by my family and a math teacher I had who told me that he looked forward to my graduation speech,” he said.
Bouchard did his best and more, as he recently became an Eagle Scout. He was a Section Leader in Band and Vice President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He served as a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Panther Cubs and the golf team.
“My friends and family have been great, but I’ve also had some great teachers that made school enjoyable,” he said.
Bouchard’s awards include the 2016 Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award, the 2017 Lieutenant Governor Leadership Award and the Mayor and Town Council Scholarship.
“I have so many memories of the events I’ve participated in, but my involvement in the band and the trips I’ve been on are truly unforgettable.”
Bouchard plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Rhode Island.
3. Kristiana Parrillo
Kristiana Parrillo ranked third in this year’s class, and plans to major in psychology at Stonehill College.
“I will most remember school events like prom and Battle of the Classes, the time spent at my dance studio, the construction of the 2016-2017 yearbook and the amazing friends I have made,” she said.
Parrillo served as managing editor of the Yearbook, and as a member of the National Honor Society, Chemistry Club and the Float Committee. She’s also competitive dancer.
“My parents, dance teachers, and friends have contributed to my success and enjoyment at high school,” she said. She added that the hopes of receiving scholarships to a good college and wanting to obtain high grades helped motivate her to excel.
Parrillo’s awards include the St. Michael’s College Book Award, honorable mention in the Scholastic Art Competition, honorable mentions at the Science Fair, and other academic and dance awards.
4. Zachary Szumita
When asked about what motivated him to excel, Zachary Szumita said it was because he was self-motivated, and that he always looked to be the best he possibly could.
“I never compare myself to others or try to compete with others, I try to only focus on self-improvement,” he said.
Szumita served as Student Council Secretary, and as a member of the Float Committee, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Panther Cubs, and the National Honor Society. He also played on the school’s Hockey and Club Lacrosse Teams. His awards include the Top Ten College Book Award and selection to the Rhode Island Honors Society.
“My favorite part of the year is Homecoming season, including Battle of the Classes, pep rally, float committee overnighter, and the Homecoming parade, game and dance,” he said. “I have to thank my family for supporting and encouraging me throughout high school, and my friends who have stuck by me for making my high school experience a memorable one.”
Following graduation, Szumita plans to attend Boston College for pre-med studies.
5. Nour Abaherah
Fifth-ranked Nour Abaherah plans to study healthcare administration/healthcare management at Rhode Island College.
“What I will remember the most about my high school years is the opportunity to be a part of the community and take part in activities that help others,” she said. “My family and some select teachers have contributed to my success and enjoyment in high school. Without my family to encourage me to work hard, and still have fun and stay happy, I would not be the person I am today.”
At Johnston High, Abaherah served as President of the National Honor Society, Co-President of the Chemistry Club, Design Editor for the Yearbook, Captain of the Chess Club and was a member of the World Culture’s Club.
Abaherah’s special recognitions include Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics from the National Mathematic Society, Outstanding Achievement in US History, Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry, and Biology, and the Brown Book Award.
“What motivated me to succeed is my family,” she said. “My family and culture motivate me to gain knowledge and share knowledge. Without them I would not have achieved many accomplishments and goals.”
6. Vincent Florio
Vincent Florio earned his sixth spot in the top 10 with a combined academic excellence and competitive nature.
“My fellow classmates, especially those in the Top 10, helped to push me to always try my best,” he said. “They brought out my competitiveness by fighting to get higher up in class rank.”
Attributing his successes to his parents and Mrs. Mallati, Florio served on the Float Committee, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Panther Cubs, the Puzzle Piece Program and the National Honor Society. He was awarded R.I. General Treasurer Seth Magaziner’s Young Leaders Award. Florio also played for the boys’ lacrosse team.
When asked what he’ll remember most about high school, Florio said, “All of the social events like Battle of the Classes, Spirit Week, Homecoming, Mr. Panther and the dances. Seeing all of my friends on a daily basis and just making the best of the four years we had here.”
Florio plans to attend Bryant University, majoring in accounting.
7. Karla Gonzalez
Seventh-ranked Karla Gonzalez said her family motivates her to excel in academics and beyond.
“I owe most of my success to my family, as well as some of the teachers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting at JHS,” she said. “They have all supported me and pushed me to challenge myself whenever possible.”
Gonzalez’s time at Johnston High saw her participate as Captain of the Academic Decathlon, Editor with the Yearbook, Vice President of the National Honor Society, as a member of the Chemistry Club, Float Committee, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
“I will probably always remember all of the events that took place throughout my four years here, such as Battle of the Classes, Homecoming, Spirit Week, and so on,” she said. “The memories we have created as a community will not be forgotten.”
Her awards and recognitions include the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award, Top Ten Book Award, Outstanding Science Student for the class of 2017, silver medal in Interview at the Academic Decathlon, and Outstanding Achievement in Geometry, Algebra II, and Italian I and III.
“The sacrifices that my parents have made in order to give me a better life have always motivated me to work as hard as possible,” she said. “Another great motivation has been the rest of the top 10. Without our friendly competition, and constantly pushing each other, I would not be where I am today.”
Gonzalez plans to attend Bryant University, studying international business.
8. Vanida Singharath
Eighth-ranked Vanida Singharath won’t soon forget the fun she had at all of the school’s events, from planning them to attending them with her best friends. Her plans now include Providence College, where she hopes to major in Biology.
“My teachers pushed me to be the best version of me while my friends reminded me to still have fun,” she said.
Singharath’s memories include serving as Class Representative, Secretary and President of the Student Council, as Secretary of the National Honor Society, as editor of the Yearbook, and as a member of the Float Committee, Panther Cubs and National Honor Society.
Her awards include Excellence in Science and the Salve Regina Book Award.
When asked what motivated her to excel, Singharath said, “Definitely my family, they are my No. 1 supporters.”
9. Nicholas Turcotte
“The innate drive to always work to the best of my abilities,” was ninth-ranked Nicholas Turcotte’s motivation to excel in high school.
Turcotte plans to take those abilities to the University of Rhode Island, where he’ll major in history and secondary education. He said his mom, dad and girlfriend have always been there to support him along the way.
He served as Captain of the Mock Trial Team, as Co-President of the Chemistry Club and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Turcotte said he’ll most remember “lunches with Vinny, fun trips with Laura and Kristiana, and all of the long nights spent writing essays for Mrs. Volante’s AP English Class.”
10. Alexia Zambarano
Rounding out the top 10 of Johnston’s class of 2017 is Alexia Zambarano, who plans on studying neuroscience at Stonehill College.
Zambarano was Treasurer of the Student Council, and a member of the Float Committee, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Panther Cub and the National Honor Society. She credits her parents and grandparents, friends, Mrs. Ferraro and Mr. Russo for her successes.
Zambrano’s awards include the Stonehill Book Award and Excellence in Spanish and Math. She said she would always remember the activities planned by the Student Council, along with proms, Homecoming and Mr. Panther.
“What motivated me was the fact that taking harder classes would push me to excel,” she said. “I have always loved to learn and throughout my years here I have been offered many opportunities to increase my knowledge.”
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